More than 2,000 residents from around Eastern North Carolina flooded Grainger Stadium Wednesday night for country radio station WRNS’s first “WRNS Fest.”

The night featured performances from country artists Joe Nichols, Craig Campbell and Jon Pardi.

Rain earlier in the day caused the 7 p.m. start time to be moved to 7:30, but the weather cooperated the rest of the night, ensuring a good experience for all.

Lauren Ludwick said she came from Stokes to see the show. It was her first time seeing Nichols, who is one of her favorite artists.

“I’ve listened to him since his first album came out, so it’s really nice to be able to see him in person,” she said.

Kinston residents Stephanie Marchand and Allison Croom said the concert provided them with a girls night out.

“We have husbands, work and children, so we were glad to enjoy a good show and Joe Nichols,” Marchand said.

Croom said her favorite Nichols song is “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.”

“It’s just a fun song,” she said. “My grandma knows the words, which makes it fun for the whole family.”

Tony Denton, director of sales at WRNS, said the concert was part of the radio station’s strategy to do more events this year.

“We did the Scotty McCreery show back in December, so we saw a need,” he said. “People want concerts in Eastern North Carolina. This came about with our relationships with some of the country stars.”

Denton said timing was also a key element.

“It just so happened to align that these three acts could come on this one night and we capitalized on it,” he said.

Pardi opned up the show performing several songs, including “Trash a Hotel Room” and “Missin You Crazy.” Cambell followed with his set which included “Outta My Head.” Nicholas finished off the night with a more than one-hour performance featuring hits like “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off”and “Yeah.”

Campbell said he became a part of the show due to a good relationship between himself and WRNS.

“They’ve always been good to me and anytime I can come hang out with these guys and play country music I’m in,” he said.

Kinston mayor BJ Murphy said he was thankful to all of the corporate sponsors for helping put on the event. He said the concert was a great use for the venue in the absence of minor league baseball.

“It really shows the versatility of Grainger Stadium,” he said. “From high school baseball games to a World Cup match viewing party to concerts, it’s really neat.”

Denton said the station hopes to put on more events in the near future.

“We are looking possibly at doing another one in the fall,” he said.

Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Noah.Clark@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @nclark763.